Nitrite spike in ten gallon tank

Hi, I have a ten gallon tank. I’ve had it for a few months and had no issues with nitrites until about ten days ago. I test weekly when I do a ten percent water change and the nitrites were at 1ppm. I waited a day and they didn’t go down so I did another ten percent water change. Also note when I do a water change I add a cap full of complete water conditioner and a cap of bio boost biological water conditioner. I also took out all the live plants and washed them as I noticed blue algae growing. I’ve waited a few days and now the nitrites are at 3! Should I water change again? I’m worried I’m stressing my tetras. But obviously more concerned about the high nitrites and nitrates. Any ideas?

 

Should I water change again?

Yes. If you can match PH and temps easily then don't be afraid to do a bigger one. Have you tested your kit on your source water to make sure it's not messed up?

 

Hi, I have a ten gallon tank. I’ve had it for a few months and had no issues with nitrites until about ten days ago. I test weekly when I do a ten percent water change and the nitrites were at 1ppm. I waited a day and they didn’t go down so I did another ten percent water change. Also note when I do a water change I add a cap full of complete water conditioner and a cap of bio boost biological water conditioner. I also took out all the live plants and washed them as I noticed blue algae growing. I’ve waited a few days and now the nitrites are at 3! Should I water change again? I’m worried I’m stressing my tetras. But obviously more concerned about the high nitrites and nitrates. Any ideas?

Sorry if im missing something, but you are cycling your tank with live fish? If that's the case, is very difficult to control the progress of the cycle and high levels of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates are harmful for the fish.

I would recommend for you to ask for cycled media to a friend or to your lfs; old gravel works as well you just need to put it inside of a net, but cycled sponges works best.

Ive only cycled one tank in all my years in the hobby, the other ones have been jumpstarted with cycled media and substrate. Find yourself some form of cycled media and I think your problems are going to disappear.

PD. Im assuming your stocking levels are appropriate and that the only thing off is your cycle

Good luck!

 

Yes. If you can match PH and temps easily then don't be afraid to do a bigger one. Have you tested your kit on your source water to make sure it's not messed up?

No I did t even think to do that, thank you.

 

Live plants and more live plants, Then increase the oxygen level on your tank algae hates oxygen, so more filtration or air stones whatever works for you.

 

Live plants and more live plants, Then increase the oxygen level on your tank algae hates oxygen, so more filtration or air stones whatever works for you.

I already have 4 live plants and I don’t think I could fit another comfortably but I will go buy an air stone tomorrow. Thank you!

 

I already have 4 live plants and I don’t think I could fit another comfortably but I will go buy an air stone tomorrow. Thank you!

My tanks are always planted with 30-50% of the volume of the tank, air stones are great. Internal filters with a venturi will work wonders.

 

Floating plants work as well if you can’t plant the tank anymore, or even a rooted pothos. Just stick in the back of the tank touching water. The roots grow pretty quickly though!